Muslim Observance during Eid al-Adha 2018

The Islamic festival of Eid Al Adha will be celebrated starting between 21 and 22 August this year depending on the country you’re in, and as Muslim brothers and sisters worldwide we will be celebrating all together while the 3 million Hajj pilgrims are carrying out the final rites of the Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice", Eid al Adha is one of the most celebrated Islamic festivals around the world. It portrays the act of obedience of Ibrahim to follow Allah’s command to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Families are gathered together to enjoy the festivities, and people share their food and money with those who are unable to make ends meet, it is a duty of all Muslims on such momentous Muslim occasion.

There are other rituals or Sunnahs that must be observed during Eid al-Adha apart from slaughtering and sacrificing animals, decorating homes and performing a Qurbani. However, As a reminder to all modern Muslims of today, let us all take another look at some of the Sunnah and other etiquettes that we should practice in the spirit of Eid up to this day.

Doing Ghusal before conducting prayers

As a follower of Prophet Mohammed, taking a Ghusal and observing proper hygiene before going out to pray is one of the fundamentals of the Islam religion. It’s not only significant in accordance with the Islam faith, but it will also make gatherings and festivities delightful for everyone.

Eating before going out to pray on Eid al-Fitr and after the prayer on Eid al-Adha

To symbolize the end of the fast on Eid al-Fitr, it is a Sunnah to eat dates after Salatul Fajr and before the Eid prayer. Although during Eid al-Adha it is mustahabb to refrain from eating until one returns from the prayer or after he has made a sacrifice. Unless he is not going to offer a sacrifice then he is allowed to eat before the prayer.

Reciting Takbeer on the day of Eid

As one of the greatest Sunnahs on the day of Eid, reciting Takbeer begins on the first day of Dhu’l-Hijjah and lasts until sunset on the last of the days of tashreeq.

Allaho-Akber, Allaho-Akber. La ila-ha ill-lal-lah. Allaho-Akber, Allaho-Akber. Wa-lilahill hamd. (Allah is greater, Allah is greater. There is no god but Allah. Allah is greater, Allah is greater. And all praises are for Allah).

Exchanging good wishes and congratulations

During Eid exchanging good wishes and congratulating one another is one the most practiced etiquette. Encouraged by scholars such as Imam Ahmad, the Sahabaah congratulated one another on the day of the Eid with ‘Taqabbal Allaahu Minnaa Wa Minka’ which means ‘May Allah accept (the fast and worship) from us and from you.’

Look presentable for the occasion

Another custom in celebrating Eid al-Adha is to wear new clothes on the day of Eid. Although not everyone may not have the finances to buy a new set of clothing or a fashionable piece of hijab, if you can, then buy yourself new clothes fit for the occasion. Men wear their best outfits while women ought to dress simply wearing basic outfits, and plain hijabs for the occasion. Unlike men, women are forbidden from wearing perfumes for the purpose of refraining them from temptation on the day of Eid.

From all of us at Bokitta, we would like to wish you a wonderful Eid al-Adha that brings with it the love and blessing of Allah. Eid Mubarak!